designing with layers of plants

In nature, plants are typically grouped in masses or drifts, with each mass contrasting in height, scale, texture; and foliage and flower color.

To create a beautiful landscape with layered drifts, remember to consider the following in your design:

• height transition: design masses that transition from taller height at the back to lower at the front

• contrast and scale: ensure that each adjacent mass or drift provides contrasting foliage color, scale, texture, and height. Each mass should be compatible with the scale of the site and the geometry and scale of the architecture.

• geometry: provide inter-locking or overlapping geometry for the drifts of vegetation.

• plant selection: select species for plant groupings for seasonal interest. For example, select perennial species with similar blooming time; or select adjacent plant groupings with contrasting autumn color.. .

• balanced natural design: install larger plants such as trees and larger shrubs in groupings containing odd-numbered quantities, such as three, five, or seven; to help create a natural, asymmetric landscape. Repeat drifts of a single species within view and vary the repeated mass size (for example design one drift largest, one medium, and one small); to create a cohesive and balanced overall design.